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Vacations are a great time to relax and get away from the bustle of everyday life. However, it can be difficult to fully enjoy the holiday if you are worrying about leaving your utilities on at home. So, should you really cut off your gas, water, and electricity to go on vacation?
How to Cope Without Basic Utilities While on Vacation
If you need to switch off your utilities while you are away from home, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that you are able to cope without them. Firstly, consider what you will need to keep running, and how you can do this. For example, if you need to keep your refrigerator running, you can purchase a device that will allow you to do this without your electricity being on. You can also look at alternative ways of heating and cooling your home, such as using a camping stove or outdoor heater.
It is also worth looking into other energy-saving options before you travel. Consider investing in energy efficient appliances, using energy-saving lightbulbs and switching off electronics when they are not in use. This will help to reduce your energy consumption while you are away.
Reducing Energy Costs While Away from Home
It is also important to consider the cost of leaving your utilities on while away from home. If you are leaving for an extended period of time, it is worth considering reducing your energy consumption before you travel. If you are leaving for a short period of time, then you may be able to reduce your energy consumption by switching off your appliances when you are not using them, such as the oven, fridge and television.
It is also worth considering reducing your water consumption before you leave if you are leaving for a long period of time. This can be done by switching off your water heater and running the dishwasher and washing machine on a lower setting. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you turn off all taps and make sure that they are not leaking.
Preparing for a Vacation without Gas, Water and Electricity
Before you leave, it is important to make sure that you have taken all necessary precautions to ensure that your home is safe while you are away. This includes unplugging any electrical appliances and turning off the gas supply. Additionally, it is worth considering having your home security system installed and activated before you go away.
It is also important to make sure that your home is clean and tidy before you leave and that there are no items that could potentially cause a fire or other danger. Additionally, it is worth making sure that your home is secure, with all doors and windows locked.
Benefits of Cutting off Utilities Before Going on Vacation
Cutting off your utilities before you go on vacation can have a number of benefits. Firstly, it can help to reduce your energy costs while you are away. Additionally, it can help to ensure that your home is safe while you are away and that there is no danger of fire or other dangers. Lastly, it can help to give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is secure while you are away.
Risks of Leaving Utilities Running while Away on Vacation
There are also some risks associated with leaving your utilities running while away on vacation. Firstly, there is the risk of a power outage or water leak while you are away, which could result in damage to your property or any possessions. Additionally, leaving your utilities on while away could mean that you come back to a higher energy bill. There is also the risk that you may forget to turn your utilities off before you leave and end up paying for unnecessary usage.
When deciding whether to cut off your utilities before going on vacation, it is important to consider the pros and cons of both options. Ultimately, it is down to personal preference, but taking the time to consider both options can help to ensure that you make the best decision for your individual needs.
Conclusion
Whether or not you should cut off your gas, water, and electricity to go on vacation depends on your individual needs and preferences. Taking the time to consider the benefits and risks of both options can help to ensure that you make the best decision for your holiday. It is also important to remember to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your home before you go away.
Sources
- Harper, G. (2020). How to Prep Your Home for a Vacation. The Spruce. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-prep-your-home-for-a-vacation-2907457.
- Webb, R. (2018). Strategies for Reducing Your Energy Bill During Vacation. Energy.gov. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/strategies-reducing-your-energy-bill-during-vacation.
- Ludwig, J. (2017). Should You Shut off Your Utilities When You Go on Vacation? Money Crashers. Retrieved from https://www.moneycrashers.com/shut-utilities-vacation/.